12 Ideas to Spring into Action with Goodwill® this Season

Shopping for a Spring Wardrobe and Donating after Spring Cleaning Helps People in Your Community
(March 20, 2017)

ROCKVILLE, Md., March 20, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 70 percent of Americans engage in the annual tradition of spring cleaning, according to a 2013 survey by the American Cleaning Institute. And nearly three-fifths (57 percent) of American adults will shop for spring/summer apparel in whole or in part this year according to a 2016 poll by ORC International, done on behalf of ICSC. Whether consumers are decluttering or refreshing their wardrobes, they can give people in their communities a fresh start through job training and placement by donating to and shopping at Goodwill this spring.

Through its social enterprise model, Goodwill sells donated items in its retail stores and online, to create job opportunities, training and programs for job seekers in local communities, including youth, older workers, veterans and military families, people with disabilities and disadvantages, and others with specialized needs. As a result, in 2015, local Goodwill organizations collectively placed 312,000 people in employment in the United States and Canada. In addition, more than 35 million people used computers and mobile devices to access Goodwill education, training, mentoring and online learning services to strengthen their skills.

Having the right skills and training is essential to securing a job and to succeeding in the workplace. That is why Goodwill is calling on people across the United States and Canada to spring into action with Goodwill this season and make a difference in their communities by donating when they finish spring cleaning and making Goodwill their destination for spring shopping. By donating to or shopping at Goodwill, individuals can help neighbors who are unemployed or underemployed get off to a fresh start.

"Spring is the time of year for new beginnings. When your spring cleaning ends with a donation to Goodwill, you not only extend the lifecycle of goods, but you help fund Goodwill's employment programs that create jobs and strengthen families and your community," said Lorie Marrero, Goodwill national spokesperson, Certified Professional Organizer® contributing editor for Woman's Day and author of The Clutter Diet and The Home Office Handbook.

Goodwill compiled its 12 ideas to spring into action, which provides suggestions on ways to get ready for spring while making a positive impact in the community. Ideas include:

Mix and match to create your own unique collection of glasses as you prepare to host a spring fling on your patio.

Collect records or start on your own catalog for the perfect spring soundtrack. Get vinyl records from artists like Prince, David Bowie or George Michael. What's your pleasure?

Explore. Breathe in that fresh spring air and get outside again! Visit the National Park Service and plan your spring camping trip or checkout your local municipality website for day trip locations. Pick up your camping gear and equipment at Goodwill.

Get moving. Spring cleaning isn't just for your closet. Toss out unhealthy winter habits and shape up for spring! Pick up some workout clothes and equipment at Goodwill.

Donate the business attire you no longer wear. You'll be helping your community and someone else can use it to rock their interview or first day at a new job.

Spring forward, while being fashion forward, this year with a new watch from Goodwill.

Play! Tis the season for spring sports ? think, soccer, softball, lacrosse, golf ? and you can save on sports equipment. Be a game changer for someone in your community by shopping at Goodwill for your gear.

Power up and change your community. Donate your electronics for someone else to enjoy and be a sustainable shopper by picking up something too!

Shop for spring style. Warmer weather means time to shed those layers! Update your wardrobe with bright colors and patterns by shopping at Goodwill.

Clean out the clutter and organize your space. Take your unwanted items to Goodwill and pick up some storage bins or creative storage items at Goodwill.

Grow opportunity and plant seeds of change in your community this spring by donating to and shopping at Goodwill. Get your gardening items and creative planting pots to create the perfect front yard and backyard landscapes.

About Goodwill Industries InternationalGoodwill Industries International (GII) is a network of 163 community-based, autonomous organizations in the United States and Canada with a presence in 13 other countries. GII is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is recognized by GuideStar with its Platinum Seal of Approval, the organization's highest rating for charities. GII was also ranked by Enso as the #1 brand doing the most good in the world, and was the only nonprofit brand rated in Forbes' 20 most inspiring companies for three consecutive years. Local Goodwill organizations are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that create job training programs, employment placement and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 3,200 stores collectively and online at shopgoodwill.com®. Local Goodwill organizations also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food services preparation, and document imaging and shredding. Last year, local Goodwill organizations collectively placed 312,000 people in employment in the United States and Canada. In addition, more than 35 million people used computers and mobile devices to access Goodwill education, training, mentoring and online learning services to strengthen their skills. To learn more, visit goodwill.org.

For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at Goodwill.org or call (800) GOODWILL. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook: GoodwillIntl or Instagram: GoodwillIntl.